6th Avenue
Where it Fits
6th Ave is part of the Tacoma area we call Central. It’s not a fanciful description, but it’s a useful one. From 6th you’re well positioned to head downtown, to make your way to I-5 or the highway. 6th Ave is the dividing line between the north and south sides of Tacoma, with N 7th and S 7th each just a block away in opposite directions. But it’s much more than a dividing line or a throughway leading all the way across the city until it dips down a hill and lands on the western waterfront at Titlow Beach on The Narrows. But let’s not get started off on the wrong foot by heading straight for how to leave.
We’re here, so we may as well get to know the place. That’s done best on foot, by scooter, bike, or whatever else you ride, but leave the car behind for a few minutes if you can.
Eat & Drink
Go ahead, slip into your boots or slide on your sandals. Follow your nose to the ginger-lemon brightness of Gather Juice Co., or turn toward that toasted sugar scent emanating from Legendary Doughnuts. It could be your nose is picking up the biscuits and gravy goodness wafting from DOA, unless you’ve already moved on to Spaghetti Mang (think Filipino poutine) at Busy Body!
Maybe you’re ready for the hopped and ambered part of your day, with more of an ear for “stout” and “IPA” than “maple bar” or “smoothie bowl.” In this case, State Street Beer, The Red Hot, and Side Pony can take care of you. Seeking natural wine served with small plates bedecked with the fruits (and meats, veggies, cheeses) of the season? Take a seat at Field Bar. Probably a long seat, it feels good in there.
Have a friend visiting for the weekend? Let them choose from tacos, hot dogs, South American, All American, small plates, vegan sloppy joes (a Side Pony specialty), craft cocktails, handmade pasta, curry, burgers, and bar food. And you can get there on foot, or roll there on wheels. And you can turn around for brunch the next day. We wish you luck with your decisions.
Local Roasters
But fresh juice, smoothies, wellness lattes, brick oven pizzas, natural wines, doughnuts, and brews are really only the very tip of the 6th Avenue iceberg. We haven’t even talked about coffee much yet. You have local roasters to the east and west. The sun rises over Bluebeard Coffee Roasters and sets on Valhalla Coffee Co., so your appetite for that distinct blend of aromatics and atmosphere will no doubt be met by these two.
Fresh & Green Scene
Okay, there’s plenty to eat and at least as much to drink. But there are also strolls to and through the beautiful University of Puget Sound campus, loops around Wright Park, and forays into the humid world of the W.W. Seymour Conservatory. Then head back up 6th for the next round of food or a bit of shopping.
Shop Hop
6th Ave is a good destination if you’re seeking vintage or vinyl, or even vintage vinyl. Wander into Hi-Voltage to search the stacks for an album that will get you through your cleaning routine, set the mood for the evening, or take you into that nostalgic place you like to go every so often on a Sunday night. It’s also an independent bookshop for readers of all ages so you could even challenge yourself to find the right book for an album or vice versa. Cross the street to browse the racks at Scorpio Rising Vintage. Get your 70s calico, 90s flannels, graphic tees, worn in denim, wool car blankets, and patchwork quilts that are faded just right. Get a new get-up and then go get in line at the window for a slice of cake if Cat & Rabbitt is still open.
Celebrate Art On the Ave every summer on Sixth Avenue. Tens of thousands of people come out for live music, food vendors and local artist vendors.
It’s not all hot dogs all the time at The Red Hot. Filthy Nachos are a must and the Tres Hombres (mac and cheese, cole slaw, and baked beans) is the perfect side.
Bluebeard Coffee is both a local roaster, and a sort of 2nd office for more than a few. They’re open seven days a week and have excellent coffee and neighbors. Head next door to State Street for pizza and beer when the cafe closes.
The selection is always changing at Scorpio Rising Vintage and all well-behaved zodiac signs are welcome.
A slice of coconut passionfruit cake from Cat & Rabbitt Cake must be at least 2.5 servings, and we’re not shy eaters.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Tacoma Public Schools offers open enrollment outside your neighborhood based on availability and transportation.
Located Directly on 6th Ave: Hilltop Heritage Middle School
Evergreen-Tacoma
Other local neighborhood schools: Bryant Montessori School
Grant Center for the Expressive Arts
HOUSING
6th Ave is flanked by blocks of primarily pre-WWII single-family homes, with some apartment buildings, duplexes, and other multi-family dwellings mixed in. Architecture is varied and housing is fairly dense.
